In mid-August, WorldSkills Australia announced its 2026 Skillaroos Training Squad ahead of the Shanghai 2026 WorldSkills Competition, and recognised two standout journeys.
Australia’s brightest young trades and technical talents are preparing to take their skills to the global stage, following the announcement of WorldSkills Australia’s 2026 Skillaroos Training Squad for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, to be held in Shanghai from 22–27 September 2026.
The 39-strong team of apprentices, trainees and young professionals earned their place after standout performances at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, where medals were awarded across more than 60 skill categories – from welding and industry 4.0 to additive manufacturing and industrial mechanics.
“The talent on display at the National Championships was nothing short of extraordinary – a true reflection of the world-class skills that exist right here in Australia,” said WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke. “These young people have proven themselves among the best in the country and now have the opportunity to show the world.”
The national training squad represents the first step towards selection for Team Australia. Over the next year, members will undertake a training program designed to refine their technical expertise, build resilience, and prepare them for competing against more than 1,400 peers from more than 60 nations.
A self-made success
Among those selected is Bailey Lowes, a fitter and machinist from the Riverina Murray region of New South Wales. Currently employed by Goldenfields Water and trained and supported through TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga, Bailey earned a bronze medal at the 2025 National Championships in Industrial Mechanics.
His journey is one of persistence and self-determination. Without a family background in engineering, he began his trade journey in high school through a VET Metals program, where he discovered the satisfaction of turning raw materials into high-quality, functional components. This led Lowes to pursue an apprenticeship in the field, a decision that paid off. Alongside his WorldSkills success, Bailey was named Riverina Region Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 NSW Training Awards. Yet he remains grounded.
“My journey goes beyond medals,” he said. “It’s about proving that with passion, hard work and resilience, a trades career opens doors to the world.”
Bailey says his time in WorldSkills has taught him valuable lessons – not just in precision and problem-solving, but in perseverance. He said the journey has shown him how to stay calm and adaptable when the unexpected happens. Looking ahead, Bailey hopes to become a mentor to younger apprentices.
“I’m driven by a desire to give back, helping new apprentices and promoting the opportunities vocational education offers,” he said. “I hope to help them push beyond their goals.”
Printing a sustainable future
For Melbourne’s Aksel Van Gastel-Peck, WorldSkills has been an equally transformative experience. The RMIT engineering student – and 2025 national gold medallist in Additive Manufacturing – is part of a new wave of talent driving innovation in advanced production technologies.
Aksel’s fascination with additive manufacturing began at home, when he learnt to use a 3D printer from his father’s friend. Now completing his Honours degree in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics at RMIT and having support from the Victorian Government, Aksel said competing in WorldSkills has helped him grow personally as well as professionally. Despite experiencing social anxiety, Aksel has faced the challenge of competition head-on.
“It’s shown me that I can do well if I apply myself – and that I can still work efficiently under pressure,” he said. “He who knows no fear, knows no courage,” he said. “Skills are a core foundation of how the country runs. Encouraging excellence inspires others to pursue careers in this area.”
His long-term goal is to work as an engineer in a role that makes a tangible difference.
“I’m passionate about sustainability and environmentalism,” he said. “I hope I can have an impact in this area.”
First held in 1950, the WorldSkills International Competition has become a global benchmark for vocational excellence. Beyond the medals and accolades, it represents a broader mission – to raise the profile of skills-based careers and celebrate the innovation, craftsmanship and dedication of young people like Bailey and Aksel.
“The next twelve months will be an intense but rewarding journey for our squad. We’re incredibly proud to support this next generation as they take their first step toward the world stage,” said Schwenke.
